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By Josh Smith
Managing Editor, Reviews
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The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is a new 4K 240Hz OLED monitor with an upgraded AI processor, new OLED safeguards and Samsung's Tizen-powered OS that adds to what you can do with the display.
This is the first flat 4K OLED gaming monitor from Samsung, though we've tested several curved Samsung Gaming monitors. The style of the Samsung 32G80SD is more restrained than the glossy white we are used to, fading into the background of your setup more than the Odyssey Neo G8.
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At 32-inches, this is a prime size for a flat monitor and the 16:9 aspect ratio means it is perfect for console gaming and movies, where ultrawide isn't always supported. We tested the Samsung 32G80SD with the PlayStation 5 and an Alienware gaming laptop.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 Performance
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The Samsung 32G80SD is capable of 4K at 240Hz over HDMI or DisplayPort if you have a graphics card capable of pushing it to the limit. The majority of our testing was at 120Hz, allowing us to enjoy the great-looking display and fast 0.03ms response time. This display supports FreeSync Premium Pro to keep your GPU and monitor in sync.
This display features a 16x9 aspect ratio, like most widescreen TVs, which makes it perfectly suited for console gaming and PC gaming if you don't want an ultra-wide experience. The display features a low glare coating, which helps you stay focused and preserve viewing even in a bright room or near a window.
You'll still find an easy-to-control Game Mode that offers fast access to common game settings and an Auto mode that detects what you are playing and switches to the best settings for that style of game.
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Testing the Samsung 32G80SD with Call of Duty: Warzone, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Rocket League and Fall Guys left us impressed. Call of Duty specifically allowed us to test the limits of our console and laptop, and leave breathing room on the monitor. The 120 FPS and fast reaction time kept us in the game. As an older gamer this edge helped me keep up with my two teens better. The contrast is wonderful and the colors in Call of Duty and the more casual games we tested are great.
The display is more than capable of handling anything we threw at it. With DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1, this monitor supports what you can do with current consoles and most PCs, and will support higher refresh rates as you upgrade your setup into the future. In addition to hooking up a device, you can use the NVIDIA GeForce NOW streaming service to play games right on the monitor with a controller or a mouse and keyboard.
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The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 uses AI to upscale video and photos to 4K, so lower-resolution media is better on this screen. The performance from the NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor feels on par with Samsung TVs, which are at the top of the upscaling game.
Samsung also includes an OLED Safeguard+ feature on this display that prevents burn in with a "Pulsating Heat Pipe" that uses coolant to lower the temperature in areas of the screen that are too hot without lowering the brightness. This is in place of the graphite sheet that most OLED displays use. The screen also features logo and taskbar detection and a screensaver function to help prevent burn in.
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The monitor is powered by a Tizen OS that looks like a Samsung TV. This allows you to run apps on the display and use it like a 32-inch Smart TV without using your PC or plugging in a streaming box. The flat design also makes this feel more like a TV, so it can pull double duty in a small room or a dorm.
The smart TV software includes most streaming apps, support to use the monitor as a wireless computer display on Windows, wireless connectivity for smartphones, and a gaming hub to connect directly to game streaming services. The display is also a SmartThings Hub, enhancing your smart home connectivity.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 Design
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This flat gaming monitor is more stealthy than the more familiar curved gaming monitor lineup from Samsung, but it still feels very modern. This may be a better style choice if you have your gaming setup in an open floor plan and you don't want a traditional gaming aesthetic in the corner of the room.
The base is slim and easy to install, so setup takes less than 5 minutes without any tools needed. Sasmung's traditional gaming monitors often use a very wide base with feet that come out into your desk. A cord holder in the back helps route the cables for a cleaner look. The display features two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, an ethernet port and two USB 2.0 ports.
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Samsung includes a remote that allows you to access the Smart software. This is perfect for when you use this for streaming or watching Live TV.
Should You Buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8?
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The Samsung 32G80SD is a fast 4K OLED monitor with a good smart TV interface and the ability to act as a smart home hub. The display delivers an incredibly fast refresh rate at full 4K resolution and a super fast response rate to give you as much of an edge as you can.
The downside to this monitor is that it is going to be pretty pricey peice in your setup and most gaming systems won't be able to hit 4K at 240 Hz. This is an inverstment in a display that will handle several upgrades to your PC or even a next gen console.
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